Liquid Gold Mastering Brown Butter

Q: Can I use salted butter to make brown butter?

You *can* use salted butter, but it's generally not recommended for how to brown butter. The salt can intensify as the butter cooks, potentially leading to an overly salty result. If you do use salted butter, be sure to taste it before adding it to your final dish and adjust any other salt accordingly to avoid a flavour catastrophe. It's like accidentally putting a whole jar of marmite in your sandwich!

Liquid Gold How to Brown Butter Beurre Noisette

By Kendra ThompsonAugust 24, 2025

5.00 (7 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to elevate your baking from 'meh' to 'OMG'? Honestly, knowing how to brown butter is a total game changer.

The nutty, caramel like flavour is just insane. Trust me, you'll be obsessed.

Brief Overview

Browned butter , or beurre noisette if you wanna get fancy, is basically liquid gold. The technique comes from France.

It's seriously easy, only takes about 10 minutes, and will make you feel like a Michelin star chef. This recipe will yield approximately 12 tablespoons.

It's perfect for everything from baking to pasta sauces.

Main Benefits

The nutty flavour of brown butter can make or break your food. It's amazing on everything. It's also packed with healthy fats.

Try it on your next batch of cookies. I promise it will be a hit.

What Is Brown Butter?

Have you ever thought about how to make brown butter ? It's easier than you think. It starts with regular butter and a little bit of patience.

As the butter melts, the milk solids separate and toast. It's like magic, but with butter.

How to Brown Butter: step-by-step

Browning butter is a simple process. But, you have to watch it. First, cut 1 cup of unsalted butter into equal sized pieces.

Next, place it in a light colored saucepan. Cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a spatula. Watch it closely as the solids start to brown.

Remove from heat when it smells nutty. Transfer immediately to a cool bowl to stop the cooking.

Choosing your Salted or Unsalted Butter

Personally, I always use unsalted butter for browning butter . This lets you control the saltiness in your final dish. If you only have salted butter, no worries! Just skip adding extra salt to your recipe.

Remember to taste as you go.

Tools You Will Need

You don't need loads of fancy equipment. A light colored pan is key to prevent burning. A heat resistant spatula is also essential.

I recommend a stainless steel pan. You should see the color change easily. Also, get a heatproof bowl ready. It will stop the cooking quickly.

The Magic of Beurre Noisette Recipe

This beurre noisette recipe is your ticket to flavour town. The nutty aroma fills your kitchen. Just be patient and don't crank up the heat.

Low and slow is the way to go. It's such a versatile ingredient.

Using Brown Butter

Brown Butter Cookies : A Classic

Brown butter cookies are a must try. Seriously, the depth of flavour is unreal. I make these every Christmas. They disappear in minutes.

The recipe is usually the same as other cookies, the browned butter makes it 10x better!

Savory Brown Butter Sauce

Don’t just use it for sweet treats. A brown butter sauce is incredible on pasta or roasted veggies. Add some sage and lemon juice.

It’s simple but restaurant worthy. Trust me, everyone will be impressed.

Storing and More

Brown butter can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. I use it on everything from scrambled eggs to popcorn.

It also freezes well. Just pop it in an ice cube tray. Then, you'll have ready-to-use portions whenever you need them.

Honestly, mastering how to brown butter is one of the best things you can do for your cooking. It adds so much richness and complexity to any dish.

Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's chat about what you need for amazing brown butter . It's easier than you think. Trust me, even if you're prone to kitchen disasters, you can nail this.

I can't wait to show you how to brown butter like a pro.

Main Ingredients

Here's the deal. It all starts with butter.

1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) Unsalted Butter . Cut it into chunks. It melts better that way.

Look for good quality butter. It makes a difference. European style butter has more fat. It gives a richer flavor, and the browned butter comes out awesome.

Honestly, I've tried it with cheaper butter. The flavor doesn't compare.

Seasoning Notes

We aren't talking tons of spices here. But a little something extra can make a big difference.

For the Beurre Noisette Recipe , a pinch of sea salt enhances the nutty flavour. A few sprigs of thyme or rosemary? Lovely!

If you want to go super fancy, try a squeeze of lemon at the end. Trust me, it adds a brightness that is just "chef's kiss."

If you don't have thyme, don't sweat it. A little dried sage will do the trick. Honestly, the point is to have fun with it.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. You don't need a fancy kitchen for how to make brown butter .

A light colored saucepan. Stainless steel works best.
A spatula. Silicone or wood are good choices.
A heatproof bowl. This stops the cooking.

That is all you need for browning butter . Don't have a heatproof bowl? No worries. Use another pan. A light colored one, preferably. It's all about nutty butter recipe goodness.

Let's talk about the pan. Avoid dark pans. You won't see the color change properly. This is where you will want to monitor it closely to achieve that perfect brown butter sauce and prevent burning.

And nobody wants burnt butter.

A whisk is good for incorporating the milk solids, but a spatula does the same. You could even use a spoon.

This is about the best brown butter ghee you can make at home.

Honestly, using my stainless steel pan when I'm browning butter just lets me feel like I am watching a cooking show myself.

Maybe I can get a few viewers on Instagram or TikTok!

Liquid Gold: Mastering the Art of Brown Butter (Beurre Noisette)

Ever wondered how to brown butter like a pro? It's simpler than you think! It transforms ordinary butter into liquid gold.

This is a liquid gold with a nutty, caramel like flavour. The French call it beurre noisette , which sounds way fancier, right? Honestly, it’s like upgrading your instant coffee to a barista made latte.

Perfect for savoury dishes and of course, the queen of all desserts, Brown Butter Cookies .

Essential Prep: Mise en Place

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get organised. Chop 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) of cold, unsalted butter into roughly equal sized pieces.

This is the essential mise en place . Honestly, this step will stop you from stressing later on. Grab your light colored saucepan.

A good stainless steel one is ideal. It really helps you to see the colour change and grab your heat resistant spatula or spoon.

step-by-step: Browning Perfection

Melt Butter: Put the butter in the pan over medium heat.
Simmer and Watch: As it melts, it will foam. Don't panic! Reduce heat if it splatters.
Observe: The foam will subside and milk solids will separate.
Brown the Butter: Swirl gently, watching for that golden amber colour. The moment it smells nutty you know it's working.
Remove From Heat: Take it off the heat immediately when browned.
Cool: Pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking.
Optional Strain Strain through a mesh sieve for a pure finish.

Pro Tips for Brown Butter Nirvana

Want to know how to make brown butter that's absolutely divine? Here’s my advice. Always use a light coloured pan. It really helps to see the browning.

And for heaven's sake, don't walk away! It goes from perfect to burnt in seconds. If you want to make Brown Butter Sauce feel free to add it!

Also, cold butter melts more evenly. If you aren't using it immediately the Browned Butter can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Ever burnt butter? We all have. That's why these tips are golden. Trust me, this nutty butter recipe will make your dishes sing!.

A little patience gets you Beurre Noisette Recipe heaven.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Brown Butter Game

Right then, you've got the basic recipe down. Now, let’s chat about making your brown butter truly awesome. I remember the first time I tried browning butter .

Oh my gosh! I burnt it. Black as night. Smelt awful. Don’t let that be you!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

How you present your Nutty Butter Recipe creations matters, you know?

Plating and presentation ideas . A drizzle of brown butter sauce over seared scallops? Posh. Toss roasted veg in it. Sprinkle with sea salt. Boom! A few toasted nuts on top? Chef's kiss.
Complementary sides or beverages . Think savoury. A crisp, dry white wine or even a pale ale complements the nutty notes beautifully. For sides, try creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad.

Storage Tips: Keep That Liquid Gold Safe

Proper storage is vital. Don't want all that hard work going to waste, right?

Refrigeration guidelines . Store leftover Browning Butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it solidify. Honestly, it's even better spread on toast.
Freezing options . For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays. Pop 'em out and store in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions . Gently melt refrigerated or frozen browned butter in a saucepan over low heat. Watch it closely! It can burn easily.

Variations: Getting Creative with Brown Butter

Let's talk adaptations!

Dietary adaptations . To make a vegan Nutty Butter Recipe , use a good quality vegan butter like Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter. It works surprisingly well.
Seasonal ingredient swaps . In autumn, infuse your brown butter with sage and use it with pumpkin ravioli. In summer, lemon zest is a winner with grilled fish.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Bits

Okay, so butter isn't exactly a health food. But Browned Butter used in moderation can have its perks.

Simplified nutrition information . Each tablespoon has about 100 calories. It's mostly fat, of course. But that fat carries flavour!
Key health benefits . Some say the butyrate in butter can be good for gut health. Plus, a little goes a long way. It's all about balance, innit?

So, there you have it! Your guide to how to brown butter like a total legend. Don’t be scared. It takes a little practice, but you'll get there.

Just remember to watch it like a hawk and trust your nose. You got this! And remember, you can always look up How To Make Brown Butter on the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! I burnt my butter! What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, a spot of burnt butter! It happens to the best of us, like forgetting your umbrella on a rainy day. Most likely, the heat was too high. Remember to keep the heat at medium or even medium low and watch it like a hawk.

The milk solids can burn quickly, so keep stirring and trust your nose burnt smells are a big no-no!

Can I use salted butter to make brown butter?

You can use salted butter, but it's generally not recommended for how to brown butter. The salt can intensify as the butter cooks, potentially leading to an overly salty result. If you do use salted butter, be sure to taste it before adding it to your final dish and adjust any other salt accordingly to avoid a flavour catastrophe.

It's like accidentally putting a whole jar of marmite in your sandwich!

What should brown butter look like when it's done? And should I strain it?

Perfectly browned butter should have a beautiful amber or light brown colour. You'll also see browned milk solids at the bottom of the pan, which are a key part of the flavour. Straining is optional; it's like choosing whether to have your tea with or without milk!

If you want a perfectly clear sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve. If not, leave the solids in for added flavour and texture!

How do I store brown butter, and how long does it last?

Storing brown butter is easy peasy. Let it cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months portion it into ice cube trays for easy use later.

It's a great way to have a little bit of liquid gold on hand whenever you need it!

I want to add herbs! When's the best time to do that?

Adding herbs to your brown butter is a brilliant move! For the best flavour infusion, add hardy herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage sprigs to the butter while it's browning. The heat will help release their essential oils and create a lovely aromatic butter.

For more delicate herbs like parsley or chives, add them right at the very end of the cooking process to preserve their fresh flavour. Think of it like adding mint to your Pimms timing is everything!

Can I make brown butter with vegan butter?

Yes, you can absolutely make a version of brown butter with vegan butter! However, results may vary depending on the brand and ingredients. Look for a high-quality vegan butter alternative with a similar fat content to dairy butter, like Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter.

Keep a close eye on it while cooking, as some vegan butters may brown more quickly or burn more easily. It's a great way to enjoy that nutty, caramel flavour in a plant based dish!